How to Build a Windows Application with React Native

React Native is known for its ability to build mobile applications, but with the React Native Windows extension, you can also create desktop applications for Windows. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to set up, build, and run a React Native app for Windows.

Why React Native for Windows?

React Native for Windows extends React Native to support Windows 10 and 11. You can leverage your existing React Native knowledge to build high-performance native desktop apps. Key benefits include:

• Shared codebase across platforms.
• Access to native Windows APIs.
• Integration with Windows features like touch, pen input, and Fluent UI.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

1. Node.js (LTS version recommended)
2. React Native CLI installed globally:

   npm install -g react-native-cli
   

   3. Visual Studio 2022 with the following workloads:
      • Universal Windows Platform development.
      • Desktop development with C++.
3. Windows 10/11 Development Environment enabled:
   • Enable Developer Mode in Windows Settings.

Step 1: Create a React Native Project

Run the following command to create a new React Native project:

npx react-native init MyWindowsApp

Navigate to your project directory:

cd MyWindowsApp

Step 2: Add Windows Support

Add React Native Windows to your project:

npx react-native-windows-init --overwrite

This will configure your project for Windows development and add a new windows folder.

Step 3: Build the Windows Application

1. Open the windows/MyWindowsApp.sln file in Visual Studio.
2. Set the solution configuration to Debug and platform to x64.
3. Press F5 or click Start to build and run the application.

Step 4: Write Your React Native Code

You can now start building your application by editing the App.js file. For example:

import React from 'react';
import { Text, View, StyleSheet } from 'react-native';

const App = () => {
    return (
    <View style={styles.container}>
        <Text style={styles.text}>Hello, Windows with React Native!</Text>
    </View>
    );
};

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
    container: {
    flex: 1,
    justifyContent: 'center',
    alignItems: 'center',
    backgroundColor: '#f0f0f0',
    },
    text: {
    fontSize: 24,
    color: '#333',
    },
});

export default App;

Step 5: Customize for Windows

You can add platform-specific code for Windows using the Platform module:

import { Platform } from 'react-native';

if (Platform.OS === 'windows') {
    console.log('This is running on Windows!');
}

Step 6: Debugging and Testing

React Native for Windows supports hot reloading, so changes you make to your code will reflect immediately in the running app. Use the React Native Debugger to inspect and debug your application.

Conclusion

With React Native for Windows, you can create versatile desktop applications with a shared codebase for web, mobile, and desktop. Whether you're building productivity tools, entertainment apps, or enterprise software, React Native for Windows provides a robust platform for development.

Resources

• React Native for Windows Documentation
• Visual Studio 2022
• Node.js Download

Happy coding!